The US Women’s National Team (USWNT) entered the 2015 FIFA Women’s world cup knowing they were dealt a difficult hand in the group stage. The aptly named “Group of Death,” proved to be a formidable foe, but the Lady Yanks rose to the challenge securing their place at the top of Group D and into the round of 16. From day one the USWNT have been strong favorites in the competition, expected to make a deep run in the tournament. The results of group stage have left the US in arguably the best position to advance at the very least to the semifinals, but there are some critical matches that stand in front of the US and taking home another World Cup title.

Colombia has already stirred the pot, surprising everyone with a 2-0 victory over France in a spectacular display of determination and perhaps a bit of luck. But making assumptions from a statistical stand point, the US should handily beat Colombia in today’s illumination match, joining the other three “Dark Horses” (Germany, France, and Canada) in the quarter finals, where they will be paired up with China one of the weakest teams remaining in the competition.

After falling short of qualifying in 2011, China’s National Team has taken new direction under Coach Hao Wei. They have held their own in the competition thus far; a great part from the help of former defender turned forward, Shanshan Wang who scored both in the 2-2 draw with New Zealand and the lone goal against Cameroon. But, despite fighting their way to the quarterfinals, the Chinese will be hard pressed to find a foothold against an experienced and technical US team.

It is in the semifinals where things will really start to get interesting for the USWNT. France’s early upset against Colombia has lead down a path that will match them with the overall tournament favorite Germany in the quarterfinals. Winner of the France v Germany match will be paired against the USWNT in the semifinals. Both Germany and France rank in the top five internationally, either will present an immense challenge for the US. We predict Germany will have the upper hand in this meeting, thanks to the world class goaltending by team captain Nadine Angerer who has allowed only two goals in this competition. If this is the case this quarterfinal pairing will be the match to watch, as the top two ranked take to the pitch.

The US has the depth and skill to match that of the German’s. The match will boil down to which team is more creative and can open up opportunities to take strike, which though Germany’s team is strong and technical I think has to be handed to the US team. They have already proven the diversity in strike force, not even including Abby Wambach who holds the international goal scoring record for a woman or a man, the USWNT front line has proven to be extremely powerful. Midfielder Megan Rapinoe will be one to watch in upcoming games. After netting 2 of 3 goals against Australia, she has proven her versatility is a dangerous force. We also expect Alex Morgan to spend more time off the bench by the end of the tournament. Resting an injury Morgan has only made short appearances thus far, but could be the necessary ingredient to the US victory over Germany.

If the ladies do make it to the final, we all will be in for a treat. Coming from the lower half of the bracket, home team Canada looks like a likely candidate to make it to the quarterfinals where their likely opponent will be Japan the returning WWC Champions. On paper Japan looks the better of the two teams. Coming in off a world cup high and doing expectantly well through group stage, Japan is already favored fourth in the tournament. There is however something to be said of home field advantage. The Canadians have the luxury of playing on their own turf. Swarms of adoring fans and local support at their back might be just enough to edge them through to the final.

Either outcome, Canada or Japan, will give fans plenty to cheer about. A final meeting of US and Japan will result in a rematch of the 2011 WWC, where Japan snuck one past to win the title. A Canada v US final will be the ultimate battle of the borders. Due to their close proximity, US fans have already swarmed across the border to cheer on the ladies in red, white, and blue. If the scenario plays out Canada’s home advantage will no longer be a factor, and playing for a packed stadium of enthusiastic fans is sure to result in a fiery match. But in the world of soccer, nothing is for certain. A match can change its course in the matter of seconds completely turning the tables on the rest of the tournament. No matter the outcome, the finish of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup is sure to be a wild ride.

For those worried that there isn’t going to be much soccer this summer, fear not! The 2015 Women’s World Cup is soon to be here! And given the American Ladies’ tendency to contend for every major tournament, the anticipation may be well worth it. The USA Women’s Soccer team is one of the big favorites for the World Cup, and I fully believe that they’ll be able to win it this time. Here are 5 reasons why:

The World’s Best Players – There’s little doubt that America houses the top talent in the world when it comes to women’s soccer. A favored sport by the top female athletes in America, collegiate soccer produces an incredible crop of talent each year and the USA national team reaps the rewards. Their FIFA ranking may be 2nd to the women of Germany, but make no mistake about it, with a history of success in the Olympics and World Cup tournaments, the USA has the top talent that anyone would covet.

Talented Veteran Leaders – First off, Abby Wambach is perhaps the greatest goal scorer of all time in women’s soccer. Her 178 international goals is tops all time and she has a knack for grabbing late, decisive goals. Her memorable last-second header against Brazil in the 2011 quarterfinals was her shining moment of glory. At 34, she’s reaching the end of her amazing career, and certainly wants a World Cup title to cap it off. On the opposite end of the pitch will be goalkeeper Hope Solo. While she’s been in the news lately for all the wrong reasons, on the field she’s a vital leader. Goalies are known to be a bit on the crazy side, and this fiery instinct is what makes her such a powerful keeper. She’ll need to keep her head on off the field, but while playing, there’s no one better equipped to protect the goal. Lastly, American captain Christie Rampone has quietly been one of the team’s key cogs in defense for over a decade. 39 years old with over 300 caps to her name, her experience will be a major asset to the team.

Rising Stars – Fortunately, a solid group of youngsters will enhance this side greatly and provide the strong legs needed to endure the tournament physically. Most USA fans know of Alex Morgan, and this could be her shrining campaign. Already with more than 50 international goals to her credit, Morgan is a monstrous force and paired with Wambach up top makes by far the world’s strongest offense. Sydney Leroux is another young talent who should excel here and could become a hero at the tournament. With a delightful balance of veterans and hungry youngsters, this USA team is ripe for glory.

Home field Advantage – While the tournament will be housed in nearby Canada (technically not the USA), there’s no doubt that this will be a huge advantage to our players. Traveling across our northern border is relatively easy and affordable for fans, and far easier than for supporters of Asian and European contenders. Certainly, the 8th ranked Canadian Ladies will be eyeing a host’s title, but the USA is more talented and should benefit from nearly as much support as hosts themselves.

Determination – While the USA hasn’t taken this tournament in the new millennium, they came painfully close in 2011, losing out only on penalty kicks to Japan. Nevertheless, they’ve proven themselves time and time again at the Olympics, with three straight gold medal performances. The fact that this current group of players has yet to take the World Cup is leaving them tremendously hungry and determined. Some of the older veterans are likely playing in their last tournament for the national team, and they’ll be desperate to win it. With matches being played close to home, with the perfect combination of young and experienced players, and with a certain passion for winning this trophy, I fully expect the USA Women to take the 2015 World Cup, asserting themselves on the global stage once again!